Effects of supplementation of live and heat-treated Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis CECT 8145 on glycemic and insulinemic response, fecal microbiota, systemic biomarkers of inflammation, and white blood cell gene expression of adult dogs.

The popularity of functional ingredients such as probiotics and postbiotics has increased as pet owners seek ways to improve the health quality and longevity of their pets. Limited research has been conducted regarding the use of probiotics and postbiotics and their effects on canine health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily supplementation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.

Thin-film freeze-drying of an influenza virus hemagglutinin mRNA vaccine in unilamellar lipid nanoparticles with blebs.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have revolutionized the fight against infectious diseases and are poised to transform other therapeutic areas. Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) represent the most successful delivery system for mRNA. While the mRNA-LNP products currently in clinics are stored as frozen suspensions, there is evidence that freeze-drying mRNA-LNP into dry powders can potentially enable their storage and handling at non-freezing temperatures.

Observational study of peripheral skin temperature changes following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean birth.

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is widely used in obstetric anaesthesia practice but there is limited knowledge about the development of sympathetic blockade following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean birth. This study investigated the characteristics of sympathetic blockade by measuring peripheral skin temperature changes in the feet of patients given spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean birth.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 60 eligible parturients scheduled for elective caesarean birth with spinal anaesthesia.

Topical Noneuphoric Phytocannabinoid Elixir 14 Reduces Inflammation and Mitigates Burn Progression.

Introduction: Thermal injuries are caused by exposure to a wide variety of agents including heat, electricity, radiation, chemicals, and friction. Early intervention can decrease injury severity by preventing excess inflammation and mitigating burn wound progression for improved healing outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can trigger anti-inflammatory responses and promote wound closure.

Inhalable dry powders of microRNA-laden extracellular vesicles prepared by thin-film freeze-drying.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are endogenous vesicles that comprise a variety of submicron vesicular structures. Among these, exosomes have been widely investigated as delivery systems for small and large molecules. Herein, the thin-film freeze-drying technology was utilized to engineer aerosolizable dry powders of miR-335-laden induced EVs (iEV-335) generated in B cells for potential delivery into the lung to treat primary lung cancer and/or pulmonary metastases.

Distinct antinociceptive and conditioned behavioral effects are produced by individual cannabinoids and a cannabis-derived mixture.

Cannabinoids have been proposed as therapeutics for pain mitigation. Therefore, the antihyperalgesic effects of a proprietary cannabis-derived mixture, Non-Euphoric Phytocannabinoid Elixir #14 (NEPE14), were examined in a persistent Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced model of inflammatory pain. The acute antinociceptive and operant behavioral effects of NEPE14 were then compared with single cannabinoid preparations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ8-THC, the synthetic cannabinoid (-)-CP 55,940 (CP), and cannabidiol (CBD).

Effects of extruded pet foods containing dried yeast () on palatability, nutrient digestibility, and fecal quality in dogs and cats.

Global protein shortages and sustainability concerns have increased consumer demand for non-animal-derived protein. Dried whole-cell yeast () may be a suitable alternative to rendered protein meals in pet foods. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dried yeast in dog and cat foods on indicators that pet parents typically use to evaluate the suitability of a food for their pet.

Resource modification by ecosystem engineers generates hotspots of stream community assembly and ecosystem function.

Ecosystem engineers can generate hotspots of ecological structure and function by facilitating the aggregation of both resources and consumers. However, nearly all examples of such engineered hotspots come from long-lived foundation species, such as marine and freshwater mussels, intertidal cordgrasses, and alpine cushion plants, with less attention given to small-bodied and short-lived animals. Insects often have rapid life cycles and high population densities and are among the most diverse and ubiquitous animals on earth.

Hippo signaling and histone methylation control cardiomyocyte cell cycle re-entry through distinct transcriptional pathways.

Aims: Accumulating data demonstrates that new adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) are generated throughout life from pre-existing CMs, although the absolute magnitude of CM self-renewal is very low. Modifying epigenetic histone modifications or activating the Hippo-Yap pathway have been shown to promote adult CM cycling and proliferation. Whether these interventions work through common pathways or act independently is unknown.

Paramedic use of the Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) for medical intervention and transportation decisions.

Background: Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms (POLST) exist in some format in all 50 states. The objective of this study is to determine paramedic interpretation and application of the California POLST for medical intervention and transportation decisions.

Methods: This study used a prospective, convenience sample of California Bay Area paramedics who reviewed six fictional scenarios of patients and accompanying mock POLST forms.

Formulation of dry powders of vaccines containing MF59 or AddaVax by Thin-Film Freeze-Drying: Towards a dry powder universal flu vaccine.

MF59® is an oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion-based vaccine adjuvant that is often used in seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. We explored the feasibility of developing dry powders of vaccines adjuvanted with MF59 or AddaVax™, a preclinical grade equivalent of MF59 with the same composition and droplet size as MF59, by thin-film freeze-drying (TFFD). Liquid AddaVax alone was successfully converted to a dry powder by TFFD using trehalose as a stabilizing agent while maintaining the droplet size distribution of AddaVax after it was reconstituted.

The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection versus night splints for carpal tunnel syndrome: 24-month follow-up of a randomized trial.

Objectives: This follow-up study of the INSTinCTS (INjection vs SplinTing in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) trial compared the effects of corticosteroid injection (CSI) and night splinting (NS) for the initial management of mild-to-moderate CTS on symptoms, resource use and carpal tunnel surgery, over 24 months.

Methods: Adults with mild-to-moderate CTS were randomized 1:1 to a local corticosteroid injection or a night splint worn for 6 weeks. Outcomes at 12 and 24 months included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), hand/wrist pain intensity numeric rating scale (NRS), the number of patients referred for and undergoing CTS surgery, and healthcare utilization.

Emergency medical service interpretation of Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) in cardiopulmonary arrest.

Objective: Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms exist in some form in all 50 states. This study evaluates emergency medical service (EMS) practitioners interpretation of the POLST in cardiopulmonary arrest.

Methods: This study used a prospective convenience sample of California Bay Area EMS practitioners who reviewed 6 fictional scenarios of patients in cardiopulmonary arrest and accompanying California POLST forms.

Effects of graded inclusion levels of raw garbanzo beans on apparent total tract digestibility, fecal quality, and fecal fermentative end-products and microbiota in extruded feline diets.

Garbanzo beans (GB; Cicer arietinum) are a readily available pulse crop that have gained popularity as a plant-based protein source in the pet food industry. However, raw GB contain anti-nutritional factors that can reduce digestibility and cause digestive upsets in pets that are undesirable to owners. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the inclusion of raw or cooked GB in extruded feline diets on macronutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in cats.

Use of the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay to determine standardized amino acid digestibility, true metabolizable energy content, and digestible indispensable amino acid scores of plant-based protein by-products used in canine and feline diets.

Traditionally, protein by-products from oil seeds and cereal grains have been used in pet foods as sustainable, inexpensive, and protein-rich ingredients. However, the on-going demonization of soy- and corn-based ingredients continue to hinder their use in pet food and treat formulations. Ideally, the further demonstration of their protein quality and nutrient composition may encourage their favorable return as acceptable ingredients in pet foods and treats.

Characterization and Mechanisms of Action of Avocado Extract Enriched in Mannoheptulose as a Candidate Calorie Restriction Mimetic.

Increased consumer interest in the avocado ( or ) has been attributed to established health benefits of this fruit associated with a wide range of ingredients. In search of effective calorie restriction mimetics (CRM), we present herein a consideration of possible health benefits of the rare sugar, mannoheptulose (MH), which acts as an intracellular glycolytic inhibitor and presents the highest concentration of this inhibitor in unripe avocados. A method for producing an extract of unripe avocado (AvX) to enrich concentrations of MH is described.

Use of Legumes and Yeast as Novel Dietary Protein Sources in Extruded Canine Diets.

The popularity of plant-based protein sources has increased as consumer demand for grain-free and novel protein sources increase. Minimal research has been conducted as regards to use of legumes and yeast and their effects on acceptability and digestibility in canine diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate macronutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in extruded, canine diets.

Ancient grains as novel dietary carbohydrate sources in canine diets.

Ancient grains are becoming an increasingly abundant carbohydrate source in the pet food market as a result of their popularity and novelty in the human market. Thus, it is imperative to evaluate the characteristics of these ingredients in vivo. Ten adult intact female beagles were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design.

Chemical composition and in vitro fermentation characteristics of legumes using canine fecal inoculum.

Legumes are a popular grain-free alternative carbohydrate source in canine diets, however, information on their fermentative characteristics have not been established. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to 1) quantify the chemical compositions and 2) fermentative profile of select legumes using canine fecal inoculum. Five legume varieties, whole yellow peas (), green lentils (), black bean grits (), navy bean powder (), and garbanzo beans, were analyzed and compared to a positive control, beet pulp ().

Chemical composition and in vitro fermentation characteristics of ancient grains using canine fecal inoculum.

Human interest in ancient grains replacing traditional carbohydrate sources has reached the pet food market; however, chemical composition of these grains and their digestive properties in the canine model, specifically the fermentative characteristics, have not been established. Five ancient grain varieties were analyzed: amaranth (AM), white proso millet (WPM), oat groats (OG), quinoa (QU), and red millet (RM). Cellulose (CEL) was used as a negative control, and beet pulp (BP) was used as a positive control.

Use of precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay and digestible indispensable amino acid scores to characterize plant- and yeast-concentrated proteins for inclusion in canine and feline diets.

Increased consumer interest in high-quality and novel protein sources has driven the demand for the inclusion of protein-rich ingredients in companion animal diets. Novel protein concentrates, with protein contents of at least 50%, have been used to satisfy these consumer demands. However, minimal information is available regarding the macronutrient composition and protein quality of these ingredients that is needed for proper formulation of pet foods.

Macronutrient composition, true metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility, and indispensable amino acid scoring of pulse ingredients for use in canine and feline diets.

The rising consumer demand for alternative and sustainable protein sources drives the popularity of the use of plant-based proteins in the pet food industry. Pulse crops, which include beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, have become an important addition to both human and animal diets due to their protein content and functional properties. However, knowledge of their nutrient composition and protein quality is necessary for the proper formulation of these ingredients in pet foods.

HDAC2 Regulates Site-Specific Acetylation of MDM2 and Its Ubiquitination Signaling in Tumor Suppression.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are promising targets for cancer therapy, although their individual actions remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify a role for HDAC2 in the regulation of MDM2 acetylation at previously uncharacterized lysines. Upon inactivation of HDAC2, this acetylation creates a structural signal in the lysine-rich domain of MDM2 to prevent the recognition and degradation of its downstream substrate, MCL-1 ubiquitin ligase E3 (MULE).

Effects of high inclusion of soybean hulls on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal quality, and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations in extruded diets of adult dogs.

Soybean hulls (SBH) are a fiber-rich co-product of the soybean oil extraction process that corresponds to 8% of the soybean seed. Despite being readily available and priced competitively, SBH are underutilized in monogastric nutrition. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate SBH as a dietary fiber in canine diets.

Extruded feline diets formulated with high inclusion of soybean hulls: effects on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, and fecal quality and metabolites.

Dietary fibers have gained renewed interest in companion animal nutrition as a means to manage pet obesity and improve gut and host health. Soybean hulls (SBH), a coproduct of the soybean oil extraction process, is an accessible and economical fiber source. However, limited research is available on the use of SBH in feline nutrition.